Every June since 1979, Black Music Month has been observed to praise and celebrate Black artists. What began as an initiative to highlight the influence of African-American culture in America feels more timely than ever before.
TikTok has joined in on the celebration, after coming under fire for its algorithm which disproportionately featured white creators on its For You Page. "We acknowledge and apologize to our Black creators and community who have felt unsafe, unsupported or suppressed. We don't ever want anyone to feel that way. We welcome the voices of the Black community wholeheartedly," the company responded in a statement.
Subsequently, the short-video sharing app has implemented a handpicked Creator Diversity Collective and promoted Black Music Month across the platform.
Though, we all know it's the content that make the app so special. So, to mark the month-long celebration's 41-year anniversary, TikTokers have taken it upon themselves to educate and uplift one another while celebrating their favourite musicians.
TikTok influencer Taylor Cassidy (@taylorcassidyj) has garnered almost 2 million followers for her informative, funny, and sharp videos. Taylor hasn't just used her platform to share information on racial injustice and how to support the Black Lives Matter movement but has been sharing music facts with her fans.
First, let's celebrate Queen Bey
In this post, the 17-year-old lays down the facts about Beyoncé. "Let's go Cassidy University," one user comments. "At this point ima just quit school and watch your TikToks..." writes another. Did you know that the name, Destiny's Child is a biblical reference? Or that at the 2010 Grammys Beyoncé had the most wins in one night than any other female artist. We didn't, but thanks to Taylor, now we do.
@taylorcassidyj BLACK MUSIC MONTH: The impact of ??????##beyoncé##blackmusic##blackmusicmonth##blackhistory##blackvoices##blacktiktok
Kendrick Lamar
In another video captioned, "pov: when you listen to a record, you learn the artist's story," Taylor breaks down all things Kendrick. From what he was like growing up in Compton to how he got his big break thanks to Dr Dre.
@taylorcassidyj ##pov: when you listen to a record, you learn the artist’s story. Today’s record: The impact of Kendrick Lamar ?? ##blackvoices##blackmusicmonth
Chloe x Halle
"If I'm on your fyp page..." reads the caption to Rasheena's (@layerednliberte) video, "go listen to Chloe and Halles [sic] new album." The style curator has amassed over 16,000 followers and between supporting new albums, she shares press on nail tips, her political views and great outfits.
@layerednliberte Have you heard Chloe and Halles new album? ##doit ##doitchallenge ##viral ##viralvideo ##bgm ##blackmusic ##blackmusicmonth
Monte Booker
In celebration of Black Music Month, TikTok prominently featured Kolors by Monte Booker featuring Smino. Though, the song went viral back in April when creator Ryan (@kvng.ryyy) uploaded an original dance soundtracked to Kolors. Now the song has amassed 5.8 million videos, with popular creators like Charli D'Amelio and Addison Rae jumping on board the dance trend.
@kvng.ryyy Day 1 trynna make my dance a trend @_gabefernandez is the ending certified????? ##dance ##viral ##foryou DC: Meee
Jason Derulo
In May, Jason Derulo sparked TikTok controversy after he interpolated a Polynesian teenager's viral hit. But now, after the rising New Zealand musician Joshua Stylah otherwise known as Jawsh 685 cleared the sample, Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat) has been embraced by the rest of TikTok.
@justmaiko ???? @itsjonathanle
? Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat) - Jawsh 685 & Jason Derulo
Saweetie
If anyone is having fun on TikTok it's Saweetie. The rapper most recently shared her Maxim cover on the app and has been filming dances to her new song, Tap In. The song has already got a challenge attached to it with almost 1 million views and we're excited to see just how far Saweetie gets by the end of the month.
@tyrellamerson ##tapinchallenge DC : ME ?? ##foryou ##MakeSomeoneSmile ##foryou ##viral ##blackdancers ##newdance
Meanwhile, TikToker @missipad has dedicated her platform to inform her audience about underrated Black musicians for the month of June. She's shared music and facts on everyone from Rood Bwoy, Injury Reserve and Kwame to Kilo Kish, Shygirl and Vintage Lee who recently made a song with MadeInTYO.
@missipad Music would be nothing without the black community. For the rest of the month I’ll be sharing my favorite underrated black artists! STREAM VINTAGE LEE
Music would be nothing without the black community. For the rest of the month I’ll be sharing my favorite underrated black artists! STREAM KWAME!
Music would be nothing without the black community. For the rest of the month I’ll be sharing my favorite underrated black artists! STREAM KILO KISH!
Music would be nothing without black people. For the rest of the month I’m gonna share my favorite underrated black artists! STREAM SHYGIRL! ##music
Don Toliver
This month, Cardigan by Don Toliver scored a co-sign from one of TikTok's biggest creators - Addison Rae - but the song, which dropped in May has been gaining momentum since the start of June.
@addisonre
